PROSPECT: A Handmade Sci-Fi Short

$21,298

338

PROSPECT is Happening!

We can't thank you all enough. The amount of support we've received has blown us away and we can't wait to make this film!

Our first reach goal was for 20k, which has been met! This will allow our artisans to spend a significantly greater amount of time and resources on the bandit suit and helmet.

Our second reach is for 23k. This will allow is bulk up on post-production, meaning more time in the studio for foley and sound design as well as hiring a top notch colorist - all of which will work toward making this film tangibly better.

What is PROSPECT?

PROSPECT is an unusual coming-of-age story following a teenage girl and her father on a foreign planet as they hunt for resin, the valuable byproduct of rare insects. Inspired in part by the California Gold Rush, the film features a planet of desperate individuals seeking their fortunes, governed only by natural law. When the father is attacked by a roving bandit, the daughter must take vengeance.

Our goal is to capture a piece of what makes 2001, Blade Runner, and the original Star Wars so awesome: texture. PROSPECT will be real and tactile, building a robust world with custom props and costumes, rather than digital effects.

Western films, particularly Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns, have also been a strong influence in developing the film’s narrative structure and pacing. Ultimately, we see this film as the blending of genres in a way we haven’t quite seen done before.

Who Are You?

Zeek Earl Director, DP

Chris Caldwell Director, Writer

Brice Budke Producer

PROSPECT will be produced by SHEP Films, a production company founded by Zeek and Chris. We are fully crewed and fully equipped to shoot this film, so every dollar donated goes directly into production value.

Our last short film, “In The Pines” was made for a total budget of $3k and was entirely funded out-of-pocket. It premiered at SXSW and went on to play Palm Springs International Shortfest, The Atlantic Film Festival, Hollyshorts, and more.

Why Should I Give You My Money?

With "In The Pines" we proved we could produce a compelling and striking film for little money. And we learned a lot from that experience. Now we want to step up our game, but we need your help.

We've already invested in the equipment and will be receiving no pay for this shoot. The number we're asking for is what we need to get everything else done: from craft services to the custom design and fabrication of filtration helmets. From start to finish, from production to post, you will be making this film happen. And it will be incredible.

Also, we have some great rewards. In addition to posters, DVDs and Blurays, you can own some of the coolest parts of the film: space suits, guns, tools, helmets - it's all up for grabs. In addition, if you're interested in some of the unusual technical aspects of the film (see below), we're offering consultation.

I'm Sold. Tell Me More!

Location

We will be shooting entirely in Washington's Hoh Rainforest. There is no place quite like it and it is one of the most alien landscapes on earth. All location fees will be going to the Hoh River Trust, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the river and surrounding rainforest.

Tech

We are excited to shoot RAW on the new Black Magic Cinema Camera (the test footage was shot on a Canon 5D). Capturing the rainforest with the BMCC's 13 stops of dynamic range will be amazing.

Over the past two years we've collected a full range of Nikon prime lenses which produce a uniquely warm and soft image texture.

We will be shooting anamorphically. Not cropped, but with an actual anamorphic adapter and diopters just like 2001 and Blade Runner back in the day.

Macro-videography was a huge part of our last short film and will be important for this one as well.

Custom Props & Costumes

We have already begun the design and fabrication process with several skilled artisans. Custom-made props and costume will give PROSPECT a distinctive texture.

Feature Development

We are simultaneously developing a feature-length version of PROSPECT. This short is the first step in making that feature a reality.

Risks and challenges

Filmmaking always comes with many risks and challenges particular to each project. For this one it includes things like shooting in a rain forest... in the rain, coordinating numerous different artisans to create original artifacts on a tight schedule, and getting a whole bunch of different people's schedule's lined up to shoot on a particular week. But this is what we do and in fact we've never been so ready. Our experience in both narrative and commercial filmmaking has prepared us. We have also done extensive test-shooting for PROSPECT specifically on location and will do more, so that when the time comes we will be perfectly comfortable. And of course, there will be unforeseen obstacles, but that's par for the course and we're ready to take it all on.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,500 or more
About US$ 1,500

PROPS LEVEL 2: Your pick of one of the SPACE HELMETS (ventilation included) or SPACE SUITS (boots & gloves included). Pledge twice and you could get the full ensemble! First come, first serve. Also includes Poster Print, Disc, File and Screening.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 5,000 or more
About US$ 5,000

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: iMDB Credit and we'll treat you like the high-level backer you are. We'll send you the script, keep you in the loop on major decisions, and you're welcome on set. Also includes Poster Print, Disc, File and Screening.